GUEST: Dr. Calvin Lakhan - expert and authority in waste management and researcher at York University

Welcome to The Morning News podcast for Wednesday August 19!

Thanks to COVID-19, we’ve slowly built new routines centered on being at home. But as we start to enter various phases of reopening and increased contact, we may feel uncomfortable interacting in person again. We get some insights and tips on how to navigate personal interactions from Assistant Professor of Organizational Behaviour at Queen's University Laura Rees.

With schools, camps and daycares closed because of the pandemic, working parents are juggling full-time work with round-the-clock child care. Women are doing a large amount of the child minding these days, and some are simply not returning to the workforce. We find out what the impact of this is on women and the economy from CEO of Toronto Financial International, Jennifer Reynolds.

Canada Revenue Agency announced that it was the target of two separate cyberattacks where about 5600 consumer accounts were compromised in a “credential stuffing” scheme. What should you do if you were a victim of a CRA cyber attack? We find out from the BBB

Last night, Democrats across the U-S formally nominated Joe Biden as their 2020 presidential nominee. Global’s Washington Correspondent Reggie Cicchini joins us with the details.

And, a study out of the University of Alberta says viewing your life from an observers perspective could help your memory recall of events and details. We get details on a fascinating new study from UofA Psychology Assistant Professor, Peggy St Jacques

GUEST: Laura Rees- Assistant Professor of Organizational Behaviour, Queen's University

Welcome to the Morning News Podcast for Tuesday August 18th!

A blockbuster announcement out of Ottawa yesterday, as the Finance Minister announces he's stepping down. We get reaction from Global's Ottawa Bureau Chief and Host of the West Block Mercedes Stephenson!

Re-opening schools is going to be one of the biggest symbolic steps towards loosening the lockdown. How are reopened schools in Denmark keeping children safely apart?  We’ll talk to an Epidemiologist about what we can learn, as we get closer to September.

With school resuming in September, many parents and families are now trying to decide what is right for their child’s safety and education. Enter “MindFuel”, an online educational resource that can help! We find out what they have to offer educators and parents alike!

Since 2016 a team at the Rehabilitation Robotics Lab at the University of Alberta began working on a project that would give people in rural Alberta access to specialist rehabilitation assessments. We find out how it’ll work from Martin Ferguson-Pell, Prof at the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine at the UofA.

And, at the start of the pandemic, we were sanitizing groceries, surfaces, packages and more. Do we still need to? We will find out from Dr David Dowdy, an associate professor of epidemiology at Johns Hopkins University.

Welcome to The Morning News Podcast for Monday, August 17th.

We begin with a look at the efforts by a local group to lend a hand to Lebanon, two-weeks after the deadly explosion that rocked the nation.  We get details on the work being done by the Mennonite Central Committee of Alberta.

Next – it’s being called “the next best thing to a Coronavirus vaccine”. We speak with a Professor of Microbiology, Immunology and Epidemiology on the search for an anti-body drug for the virus.

Then – it’s a first in Canada. We hear about a new University of Ottawa project which delivers free HIV “self test” kits to homes.  We find out how effective the tests are, and when we may see the program move nationwide.

And finally – Southcentre Mall is ‘buzzing with excitement’.  We hear about the mall’s involvement in “World Honeybee Day” – and how they have partnered up with “Meals on Wheels” for a sweet donation.

Welcome to The Morning News Podcast for Friday, August 14th.

We begin with a look at the upcoming transition from the Government’s CERB program, back to the traditional E.I.   We hear from a Professor of Business from Carleton University on why he thinks the transition will be far from smooth.

Are ‘social bubbles’ providing a false sense of security? We speak with a Psychologist who says we need to re-evaluate ‘social bubbles’ as many areas of society begin to re-open.

Then we look at the connection between healthy vision – and learning. We talk with a local Optometrist on the importance of getting eye-exams for your children – ahead of the new school year.

And finally – it’s a chance to get the family out of the house, and learn how food gets from farm – to table.  We hear details about this weekends “Alberta Open Farm Days” event – taking place across the province.

GUEST:    Meredith Perich - Coordinator - "Be Local"

Welcome to The Morning News Podcast for Thursday, August 13th.

We begin with a look at the return to school – and the protocols in place for the safety of students. We hear from a Professor of Emerging Viruses on just how important a role masks will play in the return.

Next we look at the political ramifications of Russia being first on the scene with a Coronavirus vaccine….We speak with an expert on the history and culture of Russia on what President Vladimir Putin stands to gain at home – and internationally.

Then we take a look at US Politics – and Tuesday’s announcement that Senator Kamala Harris has been chosen as Joe Biden’s running mate for the 2020 election.  We get the thoughts of Duane Bratt – Political Scientist at Mount Royal University.

And finally it’s the RIGHT day to celebrate being LEFT handed. August 13th is International Left-Handers Day. We speak with a psychologist on the many unique attributes left-handers possess – and the many challenges they face, living in a right-handed world. 

Welcome to The Morning News Podcast for Wednesday, August 12th.

We begin with a look at the challenges ahead battling COVID-19 as we move into Winter.  We speak with an Epidemiologist on the different factors we should be considering, right now.

Vaccine trials are underway – masks are mandatory – with the ever changing world of the Coronavirus Pandemic, we thought it would be a good time to catch up with Dr. Craig Jenne, Infectious Disease Specialist with the University of Calgary. We get Dr. Jenne’s thoughts on the newly announced Russian COVID-19 vaccine – and as always – he takes the time to answer many of your questions.

A steady stream of remote meetings or online classes can become exhausting as the Pandemic wears on. We look at the issue of “Digital Overload”.

And finally – We speak with a Professor of Food Distribution and Policy about what he calls “The Dark Side” of Tipping. We hear his thoughts on why the practice of tipping is discriminatory – and how he feels it needs to be changed.

Welcome to The Morning News Podcast for Tuesday, August 11th.

We begin with a conversation with Mercedes Stephenson – Global News Ottawa Bureau Chief and Host of The West Block. A lot to cover nationally – from the newly announced aluminum tariffs by the US – to the latest on the “WE” Scandal – and of course an update on the current Coronavirus situation.

Next we head to Red Deer for an update on Monday’s deadly attack on a Doctor at a local walk-in clinic. We get the latest from Matthew Conrod – Global’s “Social Host”.

Then we get some job finding tips and suggestions – from an employment professional.  Sharlene Massie of “About Staffing” helps to navigate the job market – for those on the hunt during this challenging time.

And finally…Summer's not over yet! .... If your kids are 'bouncing off the walls' - we may have a solution. Last minute summer camps! Suggestions from the folks at 'Calgary's Child' magazine.